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Auction: 26015 - "The Treasure of the Eagles" Collection of Albania - Part I
Lot: 3141

(x) Northern Epirus
Greek Autonomous Government (1914)
Chimarra - Himarë
1914 (25 Feb.). Registered envelope (reduced at top) from Sarandë (Santi Quaranta) to Antwerp, Belgium, initially posted under the Provisional Government of Northern Epirus and duly franked with two examples of the 1914 25l. blue and red, issued for Himarë on 10 February, tied by Greek “Agioi Saranta” c.d.s. As this government had not obtained international recognition, the stamps were not considered valid abroad, and the cover was therefore additionally franked with a 1908 50c. of the Austrian Post Office in Crete (Michel 21) upon entering the Austrian post office in Sarandë, tied by “Santi Quaranta / Österr. Post” c.d.s. on 1 April (subtype 5c), paying the foreign rate accepted by international postal authorities. Arrival (6.4) postmark on reverse. This is the only recorded cover bearing a mixed franking of Chimarra with the Austrian Post Office, of great visual impact and fascination for exhibition. Certs. A. Diena and Holcombe. Michel 4.

provenance: G. S. Russell. (A British philatelist active around the turn of the 20th century and a member of the R.P.S.L. His collection contained a number of early philatelic items, some of which have subsequently appeared in major European auctions. The provenance is of interest as an early specialist reference collection).
note: Following the proclamation of autonomy on 20.2.1914, Sarandë, the only suitable harbour in Northern Epirus for maritime mail and commercial traffic, was blockaded by a Greek fleet from 22 February (Julian calendar) or 7 March (Gregorian calendar), until 19 March/1st April, when the Greek evacuation was to be completed. Outward mail was forwarded by sea through the Austrian Lloyd service, as no roads were suitable for vehicles and inland transport relied mainly on pack animals and bicycles in flat areas. Austrian stamps sold at Sarandë were the only ones recognised by the international postal system for overseas correspondence. In this case, the Austrian franking was cancelled on the very day the blockade ended.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.